This 9-week series of hand-building workshops offers an introduction to ceramics for beginners.

This 9-week series of hand-building workshops offers an introduction to ceramics for beginners. Participants will learn fundamental hand-building techniques through guided demonstrations and gain the skills to create their own simple forms.

The workshops encourage creativity, mindfulness, sustainability, and confidence in working with clay.

Throughout the workshops, participants will learn fundamental hand-building techniques, including wedging clay, forming pinch and coil pots, and slab building. Participants will also explore slump and hump moulding, along with surface decoration using basic clay tools (provided) and repurposed materials they source independently.

Drawing inspiration from plant life, a theme explored in the ceramicist’s own work, participants are also encouraged to experiment with natural materials, such as leaves, for surface decoration.

The use of coloured slips will be introduced to add colour and as an introduction to glazing. Participants will also begin to learn about the firing process, including how to prepare work for bisque and glaze firing and how to safely load pieces into the kiln.

Workshops include guided demonstrations and hands-on studio practice. From mid-way through the series, participants will focus on creating an independent project—either a functional hand-built piece or a simple sculptural form—developing their technical skills with guidance and support from the workshop facilitator.

The use of sketchbooks is recommended for recording ideas, experimenting with designs, and tracking progress. One session specifically focuses on ideation and concept development.

The workshops culminate in a finished piece, ready for firing and collection later.

Emphasis is placed on play, mindfulness, sustainability, and thoughtful use of materials. By the end of the series, participants will have produced a completed ceramic work, gained confidence working with clay, and developed a solid foundation for continuing their own creative practice.

Description supplied by the event organiser.